Information About Alternative Field Education

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Many ATS students are ordained ministers and have already had a significant amount of ministry experience. Therefore, ATS has developed the Alternate Field Education Program. Alternative Field Ed meets the ATS requirement for Field Education, and affords the experienced student an opportunity to take a thorough look at his / her journey thus far. Moreover, with the guidance of a more experienced mentor, the student may prayerfully seek God’s further guidance for his / her future.

Eligibility for Alternative Field Ed is based on the number of years in ministry, the type of ministry involvement, and future ministry goals. Each request to conduct Alternative Field Ed is handled individually.

Strengths:

Allows Intern to complete Field Ed with minimum time commitment.

Allows for targeted development, based on ministry, life events and future goals.

Possible Weaknesses:

Direct, hands-on, mentored ministry component is not present.

Mentoring meetings may be less productive if meetings are not intentionally planned.

Mentor may not be fully aware of Intern’s context.

Information about Intern’s church and ministry is largely based on Intern’s bias, not Mentor’s objectivity.

Keep In Mind:

Intern should have a list of topics / issues to address with Mentor.

Intern should try to have Mentor observe him / her in ministry, and vice versa.

Alternative Field Ed Procedures

Be diligent in securing a suitable Alternative Internship site.

Be diligent in finding a Mentor, and nurture that relationship as much as possible.

At least 3 weeks before the semester begins, meet with Louis Carlo to discuss the possibility of conducting an Alternative Field Ed, and receive his approval to do so.

Submit “Internship Description.” (See “Downloads,” below.)

Attend the Initial Intern / Mentor meeting during the 1st semester of Field Ed.

Attend 1 Roundtable per semester of Field Ed.

Establish a schedule with Mentor to conduct 6 Leadership Development Sessions.

Complete the requirements prescribed by the Alternative Field Ed Contract.

Prepare and submit all required final evaluations, (including Written Exit Interview, Final Reports and Professional Dispositions Assessment).

Develop an ethos of mentoring, and adopt a Biblical model of leadership development.

Identify and practice the tools of interpersonal relationships and ministry.

Endeavor to pursue a life of constant ministry enrichment, seeking to develop in character, spiritual maturity, knowledge and skill.

Intern’s Paperwork (Downloads)

As you prepare to begin your Alternative Field Ed experience at ATS, note that you must do two (2) things:

Make an appointment with Louis Carlo to have your Internship approved.

Then, complete the Alternative Field Ed Contract after thoughtful prayer and discussion with your Mentor.

The Alternative Field Ed Contract should be submitted (via email or mail) as soon as possible, and preferably prior to the start of the 1st semester of the Internship experience.